Red Bull confirm Sergio Perez’s replacement for next season after the Mexican driver’s torrid season triggered an early exit from the constructor
- Lawson will partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull next year after replacing Perez
- The 22-year-old New Zealander impressed this season with Red Bull’s sister team
- Lawson admitted that the prospect of driving alongside Verstappen is a ‘daunting task’
Liam Lawson will replace Sergio Perez at Red Bull next season and describes his promotion as a ‘lifelong dream’.
The 22-year-old’s height – confirmed on Thursday morning – links him to reigning world champion Max Verstappen.
Lawson’s big opportunity comes after Perez’s departure was announced on Wednesday, paving the way for the New Zealander to complete his four-year journey through Red Bull’s junior programme.
Lawson made his Formula 1 debut last season with AlphaTauri in the Netherlands as a replacement for the injured Daniel Ricciardo and scored his first points in the following race in Singapore.
After a period as a reserve driver, he took over Ricciardo’s role at the Racing Bulls team earlier this year with a ninth-place finish in the US. In total he started eleven Grands Prix.
“This has been a lifelong dream for me; it’s something I’ve wanted and worked towards since I was eight years old,” Lawson said.
Liam Lawson will partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull next season after being confirmed as Sergio Perez’s replacement
Perez’s departure from the Austrian manufacturer was confirmed on Wednesday after weeks of negotiations
Team boss Christian Horner said Lawson has shown he is a ‘real racer’
‘I’m super excited to work with Max and learn from a world champion. I can’t wait to go.’
Team principal Christian Horner said: ‘Liam has shown that he is not only capable of delivering strong results, but that he is also a true racer who is not afraid to mix it with the best and come out on top. come.
‘There is no doubt that racing alongside Max, a four-time champion and undoubtedly one of the best drivers to ever grace F1, is a difficult task, but I am confident Liam can rise to the challenge and continue to achieve some excellent results can put up for us. year.’